Young people 8 to 13 learn singing, dancing and acting from professional actors and counselors in a nurturing and fun atmosphere. After just five days they perform a mini-musical for family and friends. No audition or experience is required, and everyone is guaranteed a part.

Five separate one-week workshops are offered in 2017, based on popular musicals. Each session is Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Music Theater Works (formerly Light Opera Works) rehearsal center, 516 4th Street in Wilmette. On Saturday, students meet for a final dress rehearsal at 1:00 pm and free public performance for family and friends at 4:00 p.m.

The 2017 workshops are:

“Annie JR.” July 10-15

“The Music Man JR.” July 17-22

“Spamalot,” July 24-29

“Singin' in the Rain JR.” July 31-August 5

“Bye Bye Birdie” August 7-12

The fee is $370 per student per workshop. Scholarships are available based on need.

For teens:

In addition, a fully-staged summer teen production of “Candide” is offered for ages 13 to 18 (June 12-29, with performance on June 29 at 7:30 pm). Each role is individually cast from auditions. Fee is $1260 per student.

Parents rave:

“This experience for our son has been one of incredible growth –- mainly because he has suffered his entire life with social anxiety. You have made a difference that will profoundly affect him the rest of his life.”

“The Workshop has been a highlight of our daughter's summer the last two years, and she always returns from the experience bubbling with confidence and full of fond memories.”